To:The Strategic Director, Planning, Housing and Economy

From:

To:The Strategic Director, Planning, Housing and Economy

Cherwell District Council,

Bodicote House, Bodicote,

Banbury OX15 4AA

Dear Sir

Regeneco – Appn 11/01391/F for Temporary Wind Monitoring Mast, Hanwell

I am writing to object strongly to the above application for a wind monitoring mast for a windfarm on land between Hanwell and Shotteswell. I consider the application should be refused for the following reasons:

1. The proposed mast is an industrial structure 60 metres high (197 feet) in an area of open countryside designated by Cherwell as an Area of High Landscape Value and would have a detrimental impact on the quality of this rural landscape.

2. The mast would be an intrusive element in an agricultural landscape, visible from various public viewpoints (especially from viewpoints to the east side of the M40), and would therefore have a detrimental visual impact. It will be much more prominent during the winter months than at present when trees are still in leaf.

3. The mast would be a hazard to local wildlife and protected species because of its design and its proximity to existing hedgerows, trees and woodland. No development should be allowed by Cherwell until this issue has been properly assessed and suitable provision made to avoid such harm.

4. The mast would be a potential hazard to aviation in the vicinity. This area is well used by a range of aircraft, many of which fly at fairly low levels. There is also a grass airstrip with two marked runways in the field just south of Shotteswell village not far from the mast site. At 60 metres high (197 feet) the mast would be the tallest structure in this landscape by some margin and would be difficult to pick out against certain backgrounds. No development should be allowed by Cherwell until this issue has been properly assessed.

I would request that the application and all the representations received should be considered by the members of the Planning Committee, and not treated as a minor delegated matter. The implications of this application are very significant to the local communities involved.

Finally, I would also ask that the Council should not give any form of support at this stage to Regeneco for the potential windfarm itself, as its scale and nature would clearly have a devastating effect on the two villages of Hanwell and Shotteswell, other nearby villages and this pleasant rural landscape.

I trust these comments will be taken fully into account.

Yours faithfully